The Peacock and the Sparrow

A Novel

By: I.S. Berry

Narrated by: Pete Simonelli

THRILLER OF THE YEAR: The Times (London) • The Telegraph
BEST FIRST NOVEL WINNER: Edgar Awards • International Thriller Writers Awards • Barry Awards • Macavity Awards
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New Yorker • NPR • The Times (London) • The Financial Times • The Guardian • The Telegraph • The Diplomatic Courier

During the Arab Spring, an American spy’s final mission goes dangerously awry in this “crackling debut thriller” (The New Yorker) from a former CIA officer heralded as one of the “top spy novelists of the 21st century” (The Sunday Times, London).

Shane Collins, a world-weary CIA spy, is ready to come in from the cold. Stationed in Bahrain off the coast of Saudi Arabia for his final tour, he has little use for his mission—uncovering Iranian support for the insurgency against the monarchy. Then Collins meets Almaisa, a beautiful and enigmatic artist, and his eyes are opened to a side of Bahrain most expats never experience, to questions he never thought to ask.

When his trusted informant inside the opposition becomes embroiled in a murder, Collins finds himself drawn deep into the conflict. His budding romance with Almaisa—and his loyalties—are upended; in an instant, he’s caught in the crosswinds of a revolution. Drawing on all his skills as a spymaster, he sets out to learn the truth behind the Arab Spring, win Almaisa’s love, and uncover the murky border where Bahrain’s secrets end and America’s begin.

©2023 Ilana Berry. All rights reserve (P)2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Better and better as the story evolves

Detailed and poignant nuanced description of life as a spy. Reads like LeCarre in modern backdrop of Middle Eastern conflicts.

Nice writing slow start , long finish

The Writing is good but the organizatio of the story,fine in detail of place and character flows sometimes too slowly and sometimes like a to quick wrap up. I think still better work from the author. The beginning is not bad but slow. The middle flows well. But the ending coda contains too much of the plot that should have been woven into the story. The narrator is good but very downbeat rather than evocative or sorrowful. Do recommend it.

Excellent, clever, and well performed.

One needs to pay close attention. No good guys or gals in here. Antiheroes abound. Could have happened just as the story suggests. The CIA and USN take the biggest hits

Well written story with interesting outcome

As someone familiar with the area and the characters depicted in the story, it took me a while to warm up to the characters. As the story progressed, the descriptive narrative dropped bread crumbs along the path towards the ending that seem to lay the groundwork for a series IF the author elects to pick up the story in another book. Shades of LeCarre in here. Both subtle and raw. Nice work.

Riveting!

Unique, believable characters, vivid descriptions of a world I knew virtually nothing about, and a plot with countless unexpected twists!

More screenplay than spy novel

There are some clever turns and manipulations and I can see this working as a movie starring Danny Huston…. No awards or box office records, but profitable in the long run thanks to the 4:30pm spot on TNT. As a novel, I found some key characteristics in the protagonist to be unbelievable to the point of distraction. Luckily, I like spy novels. So while this one has flaws that prevent it from being highly recommended, I didn’t hate it and listened to the end. Just like some Danny Huston movie.

Fantastic book. An insightful glimpse into a complex world of geopolitics and espionage through a lens of human vulnerability.

Title: "A Riveting Tale of Espionage and Revolution: Exploring the CIA and the Arab Spring"

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

Review:

I recently had the pleasure of delving into a captivating book that sheds light on the intertwined narratives of the CIA and the Arab Spring. This thought-provoking account not only offers a glimpse of historical events but also keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its intriguing blend of espionage, political upheaval, and, most importantly, human drama.

The book masterfully sheds light on the complex web of intelligence operations, covert actions, and geopolitical maneuvering that characterized the CIA's involvement during the Arab Spring. The author skillfully navigates the intricate landscape, providing valuable insights into the agency's role in the region and its impact on the movements that swept across several Arab nations, including the setting of narration - Bahrain.

What sets this book apart is its ability to humanize the individuals involved, both within the CIA and those driving the Arab Spring. The author weaves together personal narratives and behind-the-scenes accounts, rooted in her own eyewitness experience, to create a vivid tapestry of human experiences amidst the tumultuous backdrop of political change. These personal perspectives lend authenticity and emotional depth to the story, making it resonate on a profound level.

The book not only explores the events as they unfolded but also lifts a curtain into the complexities of the Arab Spring. It offers a humane view of the socio-political landscape, shedding light on the aspirations, frustrations, and aspirations of the people who participated in the uprisings. By contextualizing the actions of the CIA within this broader socio-political framework, the book paints a bright and bold picture of a pivotal era in recent history.

Furthermore, the writing style is engaging and accessible, in the best traditions of espionage and geopolitical thriller genre, making it accessible to both casual readers and those well-versed in the subject matter. The author strikes a perfect balance between providing historical context, delivering captivating narratives, and offering insightful analysis. This combination ensures that the book remains informative, gripping, and intellectually stimulating throughout.

In conclusion, this book offers a riveting glimpse of the CIA's involvement in the Arab Spring, presenting a multi-faceted account that is both enlightening and entertaining. Its ability to humanize the events and provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics involved is commendable. It has it all - a tale of human tragedy, a love story, espionage and covert operations, stories of travel. Whether you are interested in geopolitics, espionage, or simply seeking a gripping narrative that delves into a pivotal moment in contemporary history, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

I can see this book being made into a movie

Loved the story and the language. Great exciting story, well-told! It’d make a great movie!

story too long

story too long, did not hold my interest, reader had little emotion in his voice

Fantastic reading of a stunning novel

I’m sometimes distracted by audiobook narrators (especially when I am reading the book simultaneously or have read it) but this actor did a phenomenal job of distinguishing the characters and letting the beauty of the prose shine through. I recommend this for fans of classic spy novels or literary fiction. The author deftly incorporates her background as a spy and her international travel experience into the story. The places and people pop. Highly recommend!